Lincecum improves to 1-0 in 2014

Tim Lincecum is throwing the ball well this spring, and he’s having a positive month off the field, too. Lincecum was recently cleared in a dispute with a San Francisco landlord. Here’s a statement from his representatives at the Beverly Hills Sports Council:

Baseball pitcher Tim Lincecum and his former landlord Mindy Freile have agreed to the court’s entry of a judgment in Lincecum’s favor in the amount of $100,000, ending a legal dispute stemming from allegations of property damage to a townhouse the pitcher rented in 2010.

“It’s clear from the landlord’s agreement that a judgment be entered in Mr. Lincecum’s favor that her claim to have sustained hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages was baseless,” said Peter M. Bransten, Lincecum’s attorney. “Regardless of the amount in issue, Mr. Lincecum will aggressively defend himself against all meritless claims.”

Lincecum added, “I am pleased with the result and believe that this was an attempt from the very beginning on the landlord’s part to take advantage of my public profile for financial gain. She kept the balance of my security deposit while making unsubstantiated claims of exaggerated damage. While litigation is something you always want to avoid, I will always defend myself against frivolous lawsuits.”

Alex Pavlovic

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Warriors in DEEP vs Houston tonight. Much better competition. Harrison, Klay and David Lee survived the NBA trade deadline rumors. Meyers looking for more bench help if he $$$ doesn’t push them off a “pier”.

On CSNBA, I was reading that Indiana basketball coach Tom Crean (Harbaugh’s brother-in-law) used the video of Navorro Bowman holding on tightly to the football despite the intense pain of having just torn up his knee as inspiring example to his team. Bowman hung tough for his teammates. No word on whether Crean used the video of Shawn Estes hopping off second base and getting tagged out as an example of opposite viewpoint.

Matthew

Thank you for reminding me that I will never forgive Estes for that ridiculously soft move that seemed to kill our season.

The Oracle

Yeah…I can never forget the most gutless sports moment I’ve witnessed. I don’t think you’d see any of the current Giants do anything like that.

Matthew

..and it was before we could vent at places like this and NO journalists or announcers called him out, or even questioned it…and I was going crazy about it…I knew at that very moment he was dead to me…what do we all think of every time we see the guy? But, Krukow blathers about what a GREAT Giant he was. Estes is George Kostanza during the fire in the rest home…..

Barnes for all his talent plays better as a stretch four, and won’t get any real PT there behind Lee or Love in this case. He’s got more talent than Klay IMHO, but Thompson fills a more pressing need.

Iguodala is a much better 3 than Barnes, and I don’t think Barnes is comfortable defensively against a slashing 3.

If there was a better backup point guard, I might consider small lineups with Love at the 5 and Barnes as the stretch 4 and decide to include Klay instead (since spot shooting 2s are easier to come by), but Crawford and Blake are not the guys I want to give 30 minutes a game to.

I think the upgrade from Lee to Love thought is significant. And worth the risk and when Bogut got healthy, getting to have a Big inside and outside with Bogut and Love potentially on the floor at the same time is intriguing.
I dunno. I always liked Love and his game, but that probably because my dad is a Bruin, Class of ’64 and I was brain washed young, and Love’s skill set allows for a High Post game which myself and Mr. Wooden are particularly fond of.
~YMMV

Matthew

You must have a sweet grill

channelclemente

lol.

ClutchUp

Your spot on however Harrison should/could be a senior in college. He’s only a babe. Does have more athletic ability than Klay.

Meyers held serve. He and West love Lee and team chemistry.

channelclemente

I’ll always wonder what Kevin Love would have achieved at UCLA had he stayed.

ClutchUp

Shining bright!

channelclemente

I watched the 3rd Q last night. I’m intrigued if anyone can explain Lee’s defensive strategy. His actions on defense perplex me. I’ve heard him described as a ‘poor defensive’ player, but seriously, what’s he trying to do?

Bapah

Like stars?

Michael Scott

Anybody know if Estes is returning to Comcast? He makes me long for Bip and J.T. Living proof that having played the game doesn’t mean one knows the game.

Good lord. Is there a team the Warriors match up worse against than Houston? Let’s just hurry this us and get on with the loss so I can move on with my evening. smh

ClutchUp

Jermaine seems invigorated
I like the looks of Blake

Matthew

Blake was a very smart pick up…the 2014 version of Jarrett Jack. Really helps the guard rotation.

ClutchUp

How was your pedicure.
Close game 37-34 Dubs

DrLefty

Trade deadline passed. Speights is still here.

DrLefty

My goodness, what a surprisingly nice first half by the Dubs. Props to O’Neal for his tough D on Howard, to Barnes for being way more aggressive and to LEE for his second superb game in a row (so far).

MLBSF

lol i noticed.

MLBSF

yea my blood pressure has been surprisingly good so far. Kobe is sure furious Blake got traded to us. smh

DrLefty

Ugh, but NO props to Klankin’ Klay tonight.

MLBSF

OKC was sure stupid getting rid of Harden. They can’t beat Miami because they’re not good enough without him. That’s what happens when you try to be cheap.

That Dubs-Rockets game tonight reminded me of a playoff game in style. Lots of tough, physical defense. I can’t remember a game where the Warriors got as many 24-sec violations as they managed tonight.

That was a huge block by Jermaine at the end on Parsons’ attempted dunk, and Curry’s layup over Howard to tie in regulation was clutch. A real quality win for GSW.

ClutchUp

Hardin

Vegas Giants Fan

If you have the time you should go to sjgiants.com – Inside The San Jose Giants Blog and listen to Episode 28 podcast. It will be well worth your time.

ClutchUp

He’s Kent Bazemore now
Cheer Cheer Cheer

walt kovacs

former giants farm hand and scribe and current atty garrett broshuis is suing the majors on behalf of 3 minor leaguers and hoping to get a class action suit

Korean skater got Major League screw job but judges had to make amends for Ruskie hockey team historical joke so I get it.

Foothills Ryan

The funky intro music has been worth my time so far

PerSpeier35

I’m sure he’ll be fine but reading the account of Belt anticipating his first real big check reminded me of the old days when Greg Minton, at the time a top shelf closer, got a huge contract. He was quoted as saying that he was in a daze and he cried when he got the first big check. The he proceeded to lose his edge, got fat immediately, and quickly became a huge bust. BB9 is going to get an even bigger payday coming up, I hope he figures out how to deal with it in a manner that allows him to keep progressing.

One of the regs on the actual Belt contract post cautioned for folks not to expect Mays, McCovey, or Clark. I’ve never really bought in to the Belt hype here but I do think that he could end up being as productive as Clark. I don’t expect that, but think it is possible, despite the somewhat loopy swing. I don’t think he’ll ever hit 35 homers like Clark did early on but after that he really tailed off, didn’t put in the work and underperformed his true ability. I think he’s good for 20 homers and 80 RBI’s this year (though not from the three hole, that is not going to last, untimely BB15 will be more comfortable with the switch hitting Sandoval in that spot).

PerSpeier35

I’m sure he’ll be fine but reading the account of Belt anticipating his first real big check reminded me of the old days when Greg Minton, at the time a top shelf closer, got a huge contract. He was quoted as saying that he was in a daze and he cried when he got the first big check. The he proceeded to lose his edge, got fat immediately, and quickly became a huge bust. BB9 is going to get an even bigger payday coming up, I hope he figures out how to deal with it in a manner that allows him to keep progressing.

One of the regs on the actual Belt contract post cautioned for folks not to expect Mays, McCovey, or Clark. I’ve never really bought in to the Belt hype here but I do think that he could end up being as productive as Clark. I don’t expect that, but think it is possible, despite the somewhat loopy swing. I don’t think he’ll ever hit 35 homers like Clark did early on but after that he really tailed off, didn’t put in the work and underperformed his true ability. I think he’s good for 20 homers and 80 RBI’s this year (though not from the three hole, that is not going to last, untimely BB15 will be more comfortable with the switch hitting Sandoval in that spot).

Foothills Ryan

It’s fun to go back and look at Clark’s statistics. 1989 ! And Mitchell won the MVP. Clark 2nd. I like Belt batting 2nd or 6th given the presence of Sandoval, Posey, & Pence. I like the notion of Belt getting more fastballs in the 2 hole with Pagan as a runner on first and opening up the hole in the right side of the infield. Could get him some more hits.

Sandoval’s best seasons were in the #3 spot, but part of that was there was no one else to put there, especially in 2009. I like Sandoval hitting fifth to protect Buster. Pence is too streaky to protect him. And no one needs to “protect” Pablo because he can hit anything anywhere.

I’m with Footy on Belt hitting #2 and could even see Pence hitting #3. Pence can run and wouldn’t clog the bases like Buster or Pablo.

DrLefty

That was a very entertaining, edge-of-your-seat game for a regular season NBA contest, wasn’t it?

I agree–the Dubs’ defense was VERY impressive against that high-powered Rockets’ attack, and they kept it up the whole game, too. Harden was a monster, but he couldn’t do it all by himself.

Still don’t like those Lee isos in the 4Q, and I was cringing every time Klank–I mean KLAY–got his hands on the ball. Yiiiikes.

The Oracle

It’s interesting that Sandoval’s been somewhat mediocre for two years in a row and three out of his five seasons with the Giants, yet inspires so much confidence that success is around the corner. Hopefully, in shape Sandoval gets back to being excellent in 2014 and beyond (assuming he stays a Giant) and stops merely teasing everyone with flashes of his talent.

totalfan62

It’s a beautiful day here in the ATL, listening to some Beatles (Revolver)–can’t seem to get into anything else since that TV special–and headed to a workout. Today’s “flashback/please hurry Opening Day” game from the archives: last game of the 2010 regular season, Giants over Padres 2-0 at AT&T, to clinch the NL West title. Only home “clinch” of that magical year. 2012 was awesome, but the first one in 2010 will always be more special. JSanchez with the big triple, FSanchez and Huff with big RBI hits to follow. Great bullpen behind JSanchez’ five good innings, a Buster HR to put a bow on it, and on to the playoffs! 38 days to Opening Day 2014–can’t wait!!

2holehitting

Nobody clogged the bases like the slug Benji. The guy could barely get from first to second on a hit to triples alley.

2holehitting

J.T. really, My face is frozen I stare into the camera and I speak monotone JT really?

winebaroness

Anybody catch Chad Gaudin and his wife on House Hunters last night?? They were looking to buy a house in Las Vegas. $600K

2holehitting

I will always respect Sean Estes. As a young Giants pitcher, he signed my kids glove along the thumb. My son lost the glove at league field and was able to identify by the signature.The kid was claiming it was his own.

2holehitting

you sure he just did not lose control of one as normal, those tailing fastballs should strike fear in people

Michael Scott

It was just an indication of how bad Estes is, not an endorsement of J.T.

DrLefty

And thus Pablo hit 3rd in 2009.

Foothills Ryan

Success can be fleeting and variable from year to year. Guys get banged up, lose their mechanics, find them again, get back in shape, improve mental focus, etc. It could even happen to your guy, Belt. He may not hit .300. It’s not out of reason that Belt could hit .250 this year. That’s just the way it goes sometimes.

DrLefty

It IS interesting. He definitely needs to prove not only that he can stay in shape but that he can be a consistent presence at the plate like in 2009 and 2011 (when not injured).

I think it’s because we all see that he may be the most naturally talented hitter the Giants have. You see what he did to Verlander in the World Series (or heck, the All-Star Game) and so many times when he hits something 6 inches off the ground into the left-center gap, and holy cow.

DrLefty

Aaaand…back to a completely unprovoked shot at Belt. Why? Because TO has a pic of Belt as his avatar? TO has a point. We suspend disbelief every single year for Pablo, when the facts, as he notes, don’t actually support it–he’s had two very good seasons, one very good postseason, three mediocre seasons, and one pretty bad postseason.

Michael Scott

I think they intend to use Crawford in the 2 if Scutaro is out. But I’ve liked Belt there as well ( even if Marco was playing).

Michael Scott

I think they intend to use Crawford in the 2 if Scutaro is out. But I’ve liked Belt there ( even if Scooter was playing).

Foothills Ryan

You’ve missed the point. High hopes are no guarantee of success. Buster Posey’s second half was not so good. Hitting a baseball is extremely difficult and requires good physical health and consistent mental approach. Brandon Crawford had a significant drop in performance last season after injury. The mental and the physical are interlinked.

Michael Scott

What did you think of *Shawn* Estes

DrLefty

I didn’t miss it. I just thought it was interesting that of all the players who could have an off-year, you chose to zero in on Belt.

Michael Scott

Mindi Bach would be better than any of the guys they’ve propped up there.

Foothills Ryan

Who is the Oracle’s “guy”? Who is poised for a “break out” year? Whose performance would really rock the boat if it did not meet high expectations? BTW, Footy Projections for Belt have him at .285/.352/.480. For bad luck in the BABIP dept, he could have a .250 average, but make up for that in BB% and power. And so it goes…

Foothills Ryan

Nice choice. Lookin’ at the wiki, great album. Which is the Ravi Shenkar influenced song? The last track? “…picks up the rice at the church where the wedding has been…”

DrLefty

Still. I think YOU missed The Oracle’s point: that we have high expectations of Sandoval EVERY year and that as every year goes by, those expectations become less justifiable by the actual facts. We look to 2009 and think that’s who Pablo really, truly is, but what if it isn’t? What if it was just a great year by a young, unknown talent, and then the league adjusted and he never really adjusted back (or enough)? 2011 is the closest, but he only played 2/3 of that season due to his hamate injury, so the numbers may or may not have held up over a full season.

Don’t get me wrong; I love Pablo and I DO believe that guy from 2009 is real. But in a year where the Giants have to decide if they’re all in on him for the foreseeable future, these are legitimate questions to ponder. And that’s not even touching whether he can be trusted to stay fit long-term.

Foothills Ryan

That’s why it seems like a very good idea to see how a full season goes before making a large extension offer. The talent is undeniable. Physical and mental fitness will determine the outcome. If he maintains some strike zone discipline, he will be a monster. My system is bullish on his health and the results.

DrLefty

I agree with you, but if I were a betting person, I’d guess Sabean’s not going to risk losing him and that he’ll have an extension before he hits free agency like Pence did–and maybe before Opening Day.

DrLefty

You hit all the game highlights really well, but you forgot Timmy’s famous F-bomb on live TV with Amy G right after the game, broadcast to all of AT & T Park, too…

DrLefty

Even though it wasn’t Game 162, I really enjoyed the 2012 NL West clinching game, too–also at AT & T. I think it was Sept. 22(?), a Saturday. I still remember what Kuiper said right after the final out: “Now let’s watch this wonderful team celebrate…” It seemed really heartfelt, like Kuip truly loved that 2012 group of guys.

The Oracle

What she said.

Michael Scott

I think Chad might consider a serious downgrade to his lifestyle.

Foothills Ryan

The uncertainty about Pablo’s game is understood. Less weight, reduced injury risk. I’ll bet on him to have a successful year in 2014. Hard to wager on 2015 and beyond though. I’d also put money on Belt coming pretty close to the projection #’s.

ClutchUp

Wow, scene of the crime

ClutchUp

Figures, you and 2holehitting are twins when it comes to BB9

ClutchUp

You have it backwards. Baseball is all about Hope and putting your work in. A more proper statement is statistics don’t guarantee future good or bad years. Hope is eternal. Statistics can’t happen until pitch one of game one of 162.
The chicken or the egg issue is clear in baseball. Baseball would survive without stats. Stats can’t survive without the game.

The Oracle

Sabean has a very tough job. When you’re assessing Sandoval, you see the talent but you also see the inconsistency in performance. More often than not, he’s performed below his perceived talent level. We all know that he’s spent more time out of shape than in shape.

With most players, you at least know you’re going to get a consistent, professional level of effort, not just on the field but with regard to conditioning as well. Andres Torres’ performance may have declined, but you never had a doubt he was going to put in the work. Sandoval’s track record is the opposite, and I doubt the Giants can even be sure exactly why. Laziness? Immaturity? Food issues? He’s even had vision problems.

Even bad Sandoval is probably a better than average third baseman, but how much is that worth and what would be the alternative if he left? Ultimately, I think who Sandoval has been is who he will continue to be, even if 2014 is a big year. I don’t know what he would cost, but sitting on my couch, I wouldn’t give him anything near the Pence deal. Good luck, Sabean.

Anti-Lasorda

Love was the most perfect center since Walton for Wooden’s classic High Post offense. I could have seen a run similar to Walton’s Junior and Senior seasons had he stayed….

I was watching a documentary on the Wooden days at UCLA, and it was interesting to hear the old guys talk about when they would have alumni games vs the “varisty” squad how they would get different guys from different Wooden teams that wood have never played together and instantly, they would all know their role and blend in like it was a ballet. Even in their late 30′s the old guys would give the kids a run for their money.

Every year, from 1963 – 1975 Wooden ran the offense, whether he had Alcindor, Walton, Johnson, Hazzrd, Wilkes, Farmer… it didn’t matter. And the results speak for themselves……

Teamwork, execution. The rest of the game is simple by comparison.

I used to find it fitting in the 90′s when the Princeton teams led by Pete Carril use to give UCLA fits in the tourney…. Wooden was probably smiling wryly watching his offense being run by the Ivy league Tigers give the much more talented Bruin teams trying to runn isolation offense fits.

I know I was….

~YMMV

DrLefty

Sabean has several tough jobs this year. You outlined the Sandoval dilemma perfectly.

Belt’s situation is complicated, and not just for the obvious reasons (he’s young and what is really his ceiling and will he reach that). Freddie Freeman complicates it. For that matter, so does Buster Posey. Let’s say for the sake of argument that they stick with a one-year deal for Belt and he has a great year. Now he’s in line for a big payday. But do you commit maybe 5 years or longer to Belt, going into his age-27 year, when Posey clearly won’t catch forever and is signed through 2022?

Then there’s Romo. Romo is a very good relief pitcher. He’s been one of the best in baseball for the last 3-4 years. He’s almost 31 now, and he’s always been physically fragile. But do you let a guy–a GOOD relief pitcher, homegrown, popular, and a World Series hero–walk in favor of unproven young talent in your system? On the other hand, 30-something closers not named “Rivera” or “Hoffman” (or, sigh, “Nathan”) are a rapidly depreciating asset.

Regarding Romo, Baggarly said in his chat the other day: “Remember they nontendered Brian Wilson.” Well, yeah. Wilson was in the middle of recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. Not the same thing at all.

Anti-Lasorda

Easy big boy, you sure he was convicted, or are you judge and jury too?

channelclemente

I gave up on Pro ball in the 90′s, except for 2004, when Detroit won. But I think Love leaving early just was the last straw for me. College ball is where these kids learn and mature, IMO, and but diminishing it, I believe the NBA sowed the seeds of its own demise.

Foothills Ryan

you’ll find a poor correlation between fans’ hope and player performance. There are no guarantees. Everybody has to work hard to maintain or improve.

The Oracle

It all comes down to how much money? Even I wouldn’t give Belt anything close to the Freeman deal right now, but Rizzo money might be a good gamble for the Giants. If you’re Belt, you know that an excellent 2014 could make you very, very rich, but taking a guaranteed, multi-year deal now would set you up for life.

As for Romo, I think it’s going to have everything to do with what Hembree and/or Law are able to give them. They’re not going to overpay for Romo.

channelclemente

It helps having another skilled point guard too, don’t you think, in terms of matchups they just had to give up on before. Blake (?) seems to understand how to work a screen from the one.

Michael Scott

From what I’ve read,his coaches and his manager have all said that Pablo is a hard worker. His conditioning is an off the field issue.

ClutchUp

Klay is young I have to admit. I hope klank and Hacktor usage goes away

The Oracle

I’ve never seen Sandoval give less than 100% between the lines, but a big part of an athlete’s job takes place when a game isn’t being played.

channelclemente

It seems like the thing that most motivated Sandoval was his being sub’ed for in the late innings for defensive purposes, and having to admit he was so out of gas, it was the right move.

DrLefty

As I said yesterday, it’s ironic to me that they’ve thrown money at Affeldt several times, at Casilla, and even at Lopez (who’s terrific in his role, but his role is limited)–but they might cut bait on Romo, who in my opinion is the best of them all. It’s all in timing, I guess–with Hembree, Law, and maybe others ascending, they can afford to risk a changing of the guard in the bullpen. Clearly a year or two ago they didn’t think they could.

Michael Scott

They would never insult him with the Rizzo deal and he would never take it .

Bapah

Here’s the problem I see. I have not seen an innately gifted athlete as Pablo in a long time come through the SFG ranks. Forget his ability to throw a ball out of the park with either hand or his ability to hit a ball anywhere it’s pitched out of any park from either side of the plate, he is innately superb at the game. He is also incredibly lazy and a slob.

You can’t teach the skills he possesses. You can teach responsibility, poise and effort. It may take a big stick, but you can’t ignore what you can influence and what you can’t.

DrLefty

Maybe the amount of money (low 40s) but fewer years. Rizzo’s deal was 7 yrs/$41 mil. (in guaranteed money). No way Belt would or should agree to that at this point. Rizzo was also well before arbitration.

But Belt might not be so insulted with some kind of 5 year/$45-50 deal. Yes, he could definitely make more year to year, but that contract would indeed set him and Mrs. Giraffe up for life.

Foothills Ryan

Absolutely. I think Belt’s agent want to work towards a 100mil+ deal or hold out until free agency.

Michael Scott

I said his conditioning was an off field issue(unless he’s eating the whole clubhouse spread ).and certainly it is an issue . I just think “lazy” is unfair. And rarely do I hear anyone crediting him for playing through the elbow problem.

The Oracle

Absolutely. A bird in the hand…Belt seems to be a very confident guy, though. Maybe he’s willing to gamble on himself.

Foothills Ryan

Giants may also want to evaluate Adam Duvall’s Fresno performance before making a long term decision on Sandoval.

Anti-Lasorda

I was reading an interesting hypothesis the other day, that while Larry Bird and Magic Johnson literally saved the NBA from extinction, that in the long run, Michael Jordan may have killed it.

The Lakers and Celtics, Bird and Magic gave the game rivarly and drama…. people watched.

The dominance of the Jordan led Bulls wirth no true rival turned most of the NBA into highlight reel dunk shows were more important than the results of the game. Each player trying to do something Mike may have done in a dunk contest. Why not? It wasn’t like you were going to beat the Bulls…..

The game nowadays is one big dunk show, with a few true shooters sprinkled in and not much movement on the offensive side. Those are a direct result of running the ISO so Kobe or James or Griffin or ….. can blow by his man and try to be like Mike at the rim.

The PRO game is worse for it and the schedule doesn’t allow coaches to try to install a movement offense that requires practice time to work on execution.

I might suggest the greedy owners either cut back on the schedule as few as 10 games (as if…) to give teams time to really practice. You might be suprised what can happen to their game with a little more movement.

I mean heck, look at the success Utah and Jerry Sloan had all those years with just 3 people working a high pick and roll offense. A whole offense based on just one play. Running it over and over….Imagine if you could really get the whole team involved and actually run 3 or 4 plays how much better the game could be.

~YMMV

The Oracle

I don’t think it is an unfair word. Playing in a big league baseball game doesn’t require an incredible physical effort. It isn’t hard work and thousands of people are watching you. It’s fun. Running, lifting weights and eating right, on the other hand, aren’t usually much fun and do require a lot of effort. I don’t know if Sandoval’s problem is laziness, but I think it’s definitely possible.

channelclemente

I could only agree with you. That’s what I’m trying to get at when I criticize the Warriors for ‘playground basketball’. You’ve just said it with a great deal more clarity than I did.

I’m in my office, you know, “working”….with the US/Canada gold medal game on…not much work going on. Plenty of Timmy to come for me later this season, though!

DrLefty

Andres Torres in the house!

ClutchUp

In all professions, probably in yours – there are rookies who come in out of shape or veterans who eventually “let themselves go”. However in professions that I’ve worked in – there have always been fitness for duty tests (the vets scream). Where I’ve worked the employees have also NOT made obscene amounts of money like professional athletes do. Professional entertainers also make obscene amounts of money and some musicians are to-the-naked eye skinny/slender and yet internally/behind the scenes they are ingesting tons of narcotics to sleep and other stuff to stay up. Some musicians live a long life, others DIE young. Its well known that some musicians still perform when they’re under the influence, some claim they’ve played better and others get booed off the stage.

I think we’re gonna have to eventually trick ourselves to temper our skepticism and look at 48 as one of our own, a family member who needs us and he needs them. If I stay skeptical and negative about Sandoval it does nothing to help the goal at hand which is form him to “be in shape”. They are ONLY baseball players a short % of their lives. He’ll need to think about the ultimate BIG picture when he leaves the game. I know of no other way for myself to “treat” Pablo than to be “in his corner”. For me to take the opposite – “he’s a lazy foodie-self-serving athlete, whose ONLY getting in shape due to it being his contract year” – would only serve one purpose and that is if Pablo can’t maintain and sustain his conditioning – it would allow me to utter the words “I told you so”. The athletic arena, public work place, government work place, entertainment field – is loaded with “fatso’s and skinnies” and they function with their personal secrets or demons. Sandoval however is on display playing a child’s game for gobs of $$$$.

I personally will support him if his EFFORT is genuine. His on the field results won’t affect my view of him. He has a PROBLEM like many of us. His personality makes him even MORE vulnerable. Baseball is the only game that starts with the ball in the defenses hands and where a 30% success rate is extrapolated into a successful .300 hitter. I hope 48 is here for quite awhile.

channelclemente

ROAD TRIP!

DrLefty

I’m supposed to be at a long, boring meeting right now. But they moved the room and I couldn’t find the building and I tweaked my back the other day doing chores, so…here I am at home, instead. It just all seemed like a sign.

ClutchUp

How about alleged? Lots of eye witnesses who did not even know who Gaudin was…

DrLefty

Dave Feldman: So how are you feeling, you feel good?
Scutaro: Yeah. How are you feeling?

I love Scutaro.

Bapah

Just turn the sound down. Inane is the word of the day.

Bapah

It would buy an OG franchise.

DrLefty

It really is. That young thing, Rachel, with the Valley Girl Speak? And the guy in the booth with Marty: “As Marty eloquated earlier…”

Eloquated?!

channelclemente

Too many cooks, and not enough kitchen, IMO. They got Belt up against Machi…and they cut away to Lurie’s sidekick telling Lurie how great he is.

channelclemente

Makes you want to electroquate him, huh.

DrLefty

You got a literal LOL on that one!

channelclemente

Belt hits the way he did 2nd half ’13 in ’14, he’s a $100+ million.

ClutchUp

One of my favorite games was 2012 – 6-4 loss vs the Padres Sunday Sept 23rd with Petit getting the start – after most of the squad had a celebration the night before. It was Timmy Leroys spot in the rotation but Petit got the nod. Beautiful day at Willie Mays Field. Blanco CF, Theriot 2b, Arias 3b, Nady LF, Pill 1B, Peggy RF, Burriss SS. Petit, Mijares, Hensley (L), Runzler, Penny and Machi.

Others played, Pinch hit or pinch ran: Hector, Pagan, Buster, Belt, Huff, Crawls, CHRISTIAN, Pablo and Hunter. (Pence played IN 162 that year, did not START all 162.As the game started many “fans” were like “hey where is so and so”. I think even Lou Seal had one of his 1-4 replacement subs.

Our group had fun watching others who didn’t always play a lot but one daddy went public saying his little boy cried the whole game. My son wouldn’t have cried the whole game because I would have taken the time to explain the “way things work”.

Bapah

Pablo just took a few swings. Good rotation with an easy swing. If I were Kreskin…

MLBSF

Well the U.S. hockey team let me down again. When does it end. And when does baseball start. smh

DrLefty

Feb. 26 is the first spring training game. Mar. 31 is the opener for the Giants, in the Snake Pit.

DrLefty

I’d like to see Morse put a ball in that stupid swimming pool of theirs.

Michael Scott

If you don’t know, it IS unfair.

Bapah

Now that was just perfectly indicative of two very good hitters. Buster, very selective about everything he swings at. Took several pitches, Pablo swung and hit everything pitched.

Michael Scott

They will never get him for less than 12 per unless he goes feet up this year.

ClutchUp

What I like is watching Pence pick Jeff Kent’s brain as JK is typically standing solo behind the cage. Two TEXAS boys relating

ClutchUp

Must be spring training for them also. This should be Marty solo. When Chris “Gargantula” enters the picture its blotto.
Rachel was ALSO part of the TOWN HALL episodes and I took a potty break when Rachel appeared, or rather started “tawkin”.

Michael Scott

It’s a great situation for the Panda doubters- he gets no credit even if he has a great year.

ClutchUp

All the boys and girls are eagerly awaiting you on the Sharks blog.

Bapah

Marty is no great shakes either. If he is a baseball authority so are many here, and a lot more interesting.

ClutchUp

By the way: Great job TIM – sticking it to landlady Ms. Mindy Freile. I mean who would trash this place anyway.

channelclemente

They don’t know how lucky they are to have Sandoval. Why focus on the negative.

DrLefty

She’s in the Dugout Store right now, showing off the new merchandise. Here’s a quote:

“These shirts are 3/4 sleeves, which is good because it can get kind of cool here in Scottsdale, even though it’s usually hot…” ???

DrLefty

Yeah, I had to laugh at multimillionaire Lincecum winning $100K in court costs, but in this case, it really seems like it’s the principle at stake.

MLBSF

No I can’t type there anymore for now because I got blocked. I have to report David Pollak to the sports editor during my lunch break for violating my first amendment rights. Believe you me. smh

MLBSF

Can’t wait!

DrLefty

I’m not waiting. Heading to Scottsdale two weeks from tomorrow!

ClutchUp

It was nice seeing the Giants Swiss Army Knife Taira Uematsu – helping Ron Wotus gather up all the BP baseballs and place them in that NEAT ball carry-all.

Taira Uematsu is invaluable. Catches bullpens and warms up Giant pitchers in the bullpen.

Bapah

I’d like to see a couple “floaters” show up from time to time, as well.

Michael Scott

There is a HUGE diff between the Freeman deal and Rizzo’s.. Suggesting that it would be either something close to Freeman or close to Rizzo ignores that huge difference. And Belt progressed last year, Rizzo *regressed.”

channelclemente

Great interview with Crick.

DrLefty

OK, the Kyle Crick interview made it worthwhile. Very poised and focused young man. I like him. Love hearing about Cain 1.0 mentoring Cain 2.0! It’s exciting.

channelclemente

That young man is going to be a smash at AT&T.

ClutchUp

That’s the difference with Gerald III growing up and playing for Mike Martin Sr. at FSU vs. Pablo trying to leave Venezuela as a 15-16 yr old. All those Venezuela kids were taught to swing at everything. Actually Billy Hayes wasn’t throwin’ many strikes with his funky delivery. Wotus is better.

channelclemente

There has been no end of discussion on that issue among Cubs fans. Epstein sees him as the teams core, and the fans say “but he’s headed the wrong way”. Wing and a prayer time again at Wrigley.

ClutchUp

She was medicated for the TOWN Hall gizmo. Now, in the ARZ she must be in her element.

That – and also related to SOMEBODY

DrLefty

When Crick was new in the organization, they had a fall show on Comcast about the camp they do in November or so every year for the top draftees. Crick, 18 and just out of high school, was riding the stationary bike for “punishment” because he’d failed to bring his cleats to camp.

“Didn’t you read the email?” they barked at him.
“Uh…”

I remember this cracked me up because it can be really hard to train high school kids (I had one at home) and even new college students (I direct a large freshman program) to check their email. Anyway, Crick was just a baby then, and he’s 21 now and has clearly grown up quite a bit.

ClutchUp

He’s actually really good, but needs to work solo imo. His http://www.fortheloveofthegameproductions.com is pretty good and he started that when he worked for the A’s. Giants got a deal when the A’s would not re-sign him. I also saw Marty in live as a trial lawyer in Alameda County when he defended a guy, prior to him leaving his law practice.

Bapah

Sorry, for me he’s just a wannabe.

ClutchUp

I know what YOU meant by “conditioning is an off field issue” – however most of the roster have a pregame lift and a post game lift in the weight room. Pence does both. Pablo decided he personally had “had enough” of him not being able to participate in those post game weight room sessions and is now on a (different) mission to do better. Incremental improvement is all he needs. He is ALWAYS gonna be a big MAN.

channelclemente

He’s got that deer in the headlights look fans seem to like. He was genuinely surprised fans arrived to watch him (and the rest) stretch. Giants fans are going be an interesting experience for him. SFG is just about as big a time as there is right now.

ClutchUp

HaHa Chris Chris Gargano needs to “act like he’s been there before”

Makes some of us remember how difficult LIVE TV is and used to be for the majority of Hollywood.

MLBSF

!!!!

ClutchUp

Susac was also a quality interview!

ClutchUp

Bochy Press conference coming up (apparently)

ClutchUp

Truer words were never spoken: “can be really hard to train high school kids”

Michael Scott

Great progress. You missed that he’s a lazy slob except in his “contract year”

ClutchUp

David Pollak DOES have a point though…

ClutchUp

Thats sad. At age 66 – he’s earned his stripes. He was a fixture with Oakland but it wasn’t a paid job. Marty and FP came into Giants media at a time when they needed stability. Marty has his Brooklyn-Jewish-East Coast ways. I’ve seen many who are worse and the all important thing that you can tell my his Public House shows on Giants weekend home games is how many people throughout baseball “know-of” Marty Lurie as an actual baseball historian.

To each their own I guess.

ClutchUp

Where/When was this? (Torres)

ClutchUp

There are either fanatics who dont know anything about professional baseball or there are baseball people who do.

Bapah

He’s still just a kid, but you can’t give up on outstanding talent because of immaturity. Hope he grows up here, not somewhere else.

MLBSF

All further comments regarding this issue will need to come from my legal team. Believe you me. I’m only here to talk bout baseball and the Warriors.

Bapah

Don’t you remember the old saw about grandma’s teeth? They’re like stars…

they come out at night?

channelclemente

Maybe it’s early, and to be expected…but Lincecum (on the tiny camera Alex is so proud of) looks like he’s simplified his motion.

YogiBarrister

My sources are telling me Pablo will sign an extension this Spring: Three years, 50 million

channelclemente

Were you or they buying the last round?

Foothills Ryan

That feels team friendly. But he’d be 31 at the end of that contract and in a better position for a healthy contract in the free agent market.

totalfan62

Yeah, that wasn’t on my copy of the game. I recorded the MLB-TV feed, and they cut back to the studio very soon after the game.

YogiBarrister

Like you, I don’t drink, unlike you, I need to get my hair cut.

totalfan62

I think it’s “Love You To”, on side 1 of the album. I know the song you mean–the sitar is prominent all through the tune. The line you quote is from Eleanor Rigby.

ClutchUp

Alex (Jon Becker) has a new Post Video – Both Tim’s throwing live BP.

ClutchUp

HaHa, same ol’ Yogi…

channelclemente

I see, you bought.

Foothills Ryan

‘Tomorrow never knows’ is the one ! -Father McKenzie, writing the words of a sermon that nobody hears…